Etymology

Formed within English on hap (n.).

PGmc Ancestor

*xap(p)-

Proposed ON Etymon (OIcel representative)

cp. happ (n.) ‘good luck, chance’
(ONP happ (sb.))

Other Scandinavian Reflexes

OE Cognate

cp. gehæp and gehæplic (adj.) ‘fit, convenient, opportune'

Phonological and morphological markers

Summary category

C1

Attestation

Widespread from the late 14c.

Occurrences in the Gersum Corpus

WA 2120, 4938, 5381

Bibliography

MED happī (adj. and adv.), OED happy (adj. and n.); see further hap (n.).